The Yale College Personal Librarian (PL) program helps undergraduates learn about Yale's libraries, including their collections, services and staff; how library content and research tools are used in college-level work; and, most importantly, how students can make the most effective use of libraries, at Yale and elsewhere, to enrich their academic experience. Every incoming first-year and transfer student is matched with a PL who serves as a friendly guide and facilitator to the Yale University Library (YUL) system.

Many public high schools in the United States no longer have libraries or media centers. Even students who did use a library in high school can be overwhelmed by the size and complexity of YUL. The PL program seeks to help students overcome any 

Librarians who serve in the PL program come from many departments, including cataloging, acquisitions and technical services, preservation, IT, even administration. Professional experience in reference, instruction and/or outreach is not necessary to participate in the program, but a positive attitude about helping students is. 

The Divinity Library and Medical Library have their own Personal Librarian programs. The Yale College Personal Librarian program is largely based on the Medical Library's program, which began in the 1990s.

• The Personal Librarian website (http://web.library.yale.edu/pl) has some more information about the program as well as a search function to look up the name of a student's PL. 
• Librarians interested in participating in the PL program should first speak with their supervisor/department head and then contact the Director of Undergraduate Programs.